Monday, June 13, 2011

Review: Hourglass

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut."

Thoughts: When I first started reading for pleasure (again), one of the first books I picked up was The Time Traveler's Wife. Oh, how easily I fell in love with the writing, the romance, the heartache and the characters. Since then, I've been looking for a book that not only captures my heart the way The Time Traveler's Wife did, but also hooks me into the story line. Well folks, I think I found that book. Hourglass is a sensational debut novel that trapped me into the story within the first few pages.

I adored Emerson and truly had a soft spot for her. She's so strong, but has this softness to her that can only come from someone who has lost so much. The mystery behind why she sees ripples intrigued me and drew me furthur into the story. I also loved the relationship she had with her brother, Thomas, and his wife Dru. So many stories nowadays put their main character in these tragic, horrific living conditions with even worst parenting. While the death of Emerson's parents is incredibly heart breaking, I'm glad she still had her brother and his sweet, kind wife to help guide her through life. Oh, and her bff Lily? LOVED her!

Then, there's the love interest (since I'm a boy crazy book whore). Michael is not only gorgeous, but also charismatic, brave and oh so swoon-worthy. The chemistry between Michael and Emerson is undeniable, however, the forbidden aspect of their relationship became so infuriating, I just wanted to throw my book against the wall. Since Michael is hired by Emerson's brother as her consultant, they have a strictly professional relationship, though clearly, they both want something more. Much more. Needless to say, Michael will have you swooning one minute and frustrated the next. A nice (yet very frustrating) little combination, if you ask me.

Though I loved the characters, one of my favorite things about the book are the time traveling scenes. I love the bits and pieces of the past, catching up with the future, but conflicting with the present. Each piece is a puzzle, so readers, be sure to pay attention. It was quite entertaining when one of the characters would talk about how the other traveled to the past and spoke to them/gave them advice when they were younger. I know, it sounds a bit confusing, but I promise you, this will all make sense once you read Hourglass.

There's also the added bonus of why Michael is being so secretive about the Hourglass and then, what is really going on behind the scenes. Time traveling is just a perk. There's a lot more going on, and I can't tell you without being spoilery, but it is GOOD!

Hourglass offers readers so much more than just a romance novel with a nice little twist. There's mysery, intrigue, danger, suspense, jaw dropping secrets, and so much heartache, you'll think your heart burst into flames. At times, the story felt a little drawn out, but the details and emotions the author displays in her debut novel made it very much worth while. I ate up Hourglass and demand seconds. It's probably one of my favorite debuts yet! I really hope there's a sequel because I can't stand the idea of the story ending at just this. Bravo to Myra McEntire. You wrote a fantabulous novel, and I'm dying to know what comes next!